Broadcasters and agencies agree on the need to automate ad buying and selling, but problems persist, including incompatible automation platforms. The biggest roadblock, however, seems to be figuring out how to pay for it. “It is an unfortunate truth that neither side wants to pay for this,” said Videa’s Shereta Williams. “It is also an unfortunate truth that this is an expensive business.

Sales of most media technology companies are basically flat while their R&D and marketing costs continue to run high, forcing some to reexamine how they sell in a traditionally demanding and rapidly changing market. Above, a Vizrt virtual set demonstration this week at the NAB Show.

The FCC chairman says his approach to broadcast regulations is “You either believe in scrapping outdated regulations or you don’t. We do.” And he thanks broadcasters for their support, especially during the controversy over net neutrality which resulted in death threats.

Among the lessons learned in the wake of covering a tragedy is the value of counselors for staff and the importance of having close working ties with law enforcement when such a catastrophe with numerous moving parts unfolds.